Walkathon Champions Mental Wellness, Resilience In Lagos
By BUNMI BUSOLA
THE Funmi Babington-Ashaye Foundation has held a walkathon in Lagos to raise awareness about mental wellness, resilience and the early signs of depression and anxiety. The event brought volunteers together to promote healthier emotional habits and encourage communities to prioritise mental wellbeing.
Delivering a virtual lecture during the walk, psychologist and wellness strategist Dr. Chris Abojei stressed that early detection of stress factors is vital in preventing mental health decline. He warned that prolonged stress—heightened by economic pressures and insecurity—can weaken the body and disrupt sleep, interest, productivity and general emotional balance.
Abojei outlined symptoms such as headaches, heartburn, rapid breathing and frequent infections as common indicators of stress, urging people to adopt coping practices that strengthen resilience. He encouraged relaxation, social connection, uplifting activities and seeking help when overwhelmed, noting that “resilience is learning to rise again.”
Foundation President, Mrs. Yetunde Faulkner, said the initiative aims to empower women and strengthen families by promoting emotional stability and healthier work–life balance. She highlighted the foundation’s mentorship programmes, which help women build confidence, resilience and long-term personal growth.
The walkathon kicked off from the foundation’s office in Ikoyi and moved through major streets, with participants carrying placards bearing mental health messages. They engaged residents and businesses along the route, urging early intervention and consistent attention to mental wellbeing.
